A night In Kilkenny to celebrate Rónán Mac Aodh Bhuí

Many of Kilkenny’s finest musicians are coming together in July to raise funds to help the legendary Raidió Na Gaeltachta broadcaster, Rónán Mac Aodh Bhuí.

This event will take place at the Set Theatre, Kilkenny, on July 19. Rónán is battling advanced colon cancer, and is no longer responding to chemotherapy. He is in need of funding for complex life saving surgery abroad, surgery not yet available here at home.

His many musical friends in and around Kilkenny were quick to offer support and whatever was needed to help put this night together and a programme quickly emerged with some unique performances.

Get down to Cuckoofest in Ryans this Saturday - Kilkenny Live

Rónán is a hugely respected and award-winning broadcaster who has spent his life advocating for and promoting the Irish language and every aspect of Irish culture. He attracted thousands of new listeners to Raidió na Gaeltachta with his highly entertaining and informative afternoon show. Since the early 90s he ran “An Cabaret Craiceáilte” and “An Ciorcal Craiceáilte”, Irish language festivals that gave a space and a platform for music to be performed in Irish.

Among those who will be there to help the fundraising and to honour Rónán are two of Irelands best known sean-nós singers, Iarla Ó’Lionáird and Nell Ní Chróinín - both hailing from the the Múscraí Gaeltacht but both living locally here in Kilkenny. Nell will also be accompanied by local musicians, including her husband Mick Foley on uileann pipes and Colm O’Caoimh on guitar.

Also performing are the hugely popular band Seo Linn, and two of Kilkenny's finest young bands: The Donny’s, an up and coming rock band comprised of some former students at Coláiste Pobal Osraí and Burnchurch, four siblings who recently wrote and performed the stunning musical accompaniment at the recent Katie Taylor fight. Another new generation of musicians, all from Coláiste Pobal Osraí, will also perform on the night.

In a rare and very special reunion, appearing especially on the night are legendary traditional group, Na Casaidigh, who are close personal friends of Rónán.

MCs on this night will be Martin Bridgeman, presenter of Ceol Anocht on KCLR and Mícheál O’Máirtín, former principal at Gaelscoil Osraí, a well respected Irish language enthusiast and educator.

For more and to book tickets see set.ie